Guinness World Records celebrates the award of the best-selling album diploma to Michael Jackson

To mark its 60th anniversary, the Guinness World Records Foundation has taken a look at some of the most iconic and important records in the world over the past six decades.

One of the most memorable moments from these records was the presentation of a global diploma to Michael Jackson in November 2006.

On November 15, 2006, Michael, at the invitation of the North West London area, went to receive his collection of Guinness World Records diplomas, which had been registered in the Guinness World Records book. He is one of the longest-standing holders of world records. On that day, Michael received a set of eight world record diplomas—among them, of course, the record for the most successful showman of all time.

Craig Glenday, editor of Guinness World Records, said about Michael’s visit: "We’re always waiting for the unexpected at the offices where Guinness World Records are recorded. The tallest man and woman with the longest nails. But since the Queen’s visit last year up to today, we hadn’t been this excited. Michael Jackson is one of the biggest superstars of all time, and his unwavering success in his career has kept him at the top of the record-breaking charts. We’re definitely delighted that Michael, with such brilliant achievements, is a Guinness World Records holder, and it’s a source of pride for us that even though his schedule was extremely busy, he set aside some time for us, came here, and visited."

From the hotel to the Guinness building, Michael was escorted by his fans. Since he had been a fan of Guinness World Records since childhood, Glenday invited him for a short tour of the World Records premises.

Michael also commented on the tour of the Guinness World Records headquarters: "I’ve always been a huge fan of this book. Thank you very much. It was a great honor to visit the offices where the Guinness World Records are recorded."

On that day, in addition to the eight world record diplomas, Michael received from Glenday the latest edition of the Guinness World Records book, as well as the edition related to his birth year—1958.

That evening, the King of Pop, by attending the World Awards ceremony held in London, received the diploma for the Thriller album from Craig Glenday. Glenday said that Michael himself had wanted to receive this prestigious diploma on stage from him.

But what were the Guinness World Records for which Michael received the diplomas?

1 — The best-selling music album of all time, with sales of over 104 million copies worldwide — the 1982 album Thriller.
2 — The youngest singer whose name made it onto the chart of best-selling singles in the United States. At age 11, as the leader of the Jackson 5.
3 — The first singer whose name was recorded directly at the top of the chart of best-selling singles in the United States. For the song You Are Not Alone from the album History.
4 — The first entertainment artist to earn more than $100 million in a single year, and the highest-earning entertainment artist of all time with earnings of $125 million in 1989.
5 — The first entertainment artist who managed to sell more than 100 million copies of an album outside the borders of the United States.
6 — The longest time spent at the top of the charts of best-selling albums in the United States.
7 — The most successful video clip for the short film Thriller.
8 — The most successful entertainment artist of all time.

Michael Jackson’s name continues to remain in the Guinness World Records book as the most successful showman and entertainer, and his Thriller album is also, after three decades, the best-selling music album in history—two records that are not expected to ever be broken.

Source: eMJey.com / Guinness World Records